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4 Smart Thermostats That Save Energy and Money

Whether you power your home with electricity, heating oil, gas, solar power, geothermal energy or some other source, the energy you use to heat and cool your home is undoubtedly a huge part of your household budget. Lowering those costs is something we all want to do!

One of the best ways to do that is by using a programmable or smart thermostat, which raises and lowers the temperature in the house according to your activities. Going out for the day? The thermostat raises (or lowers) the temperature, using less energy while you're gone. Some models even adjust to account for variable rates from energy companies that charge more during peak usage times.

Is it time to trade in your old-fashioned thermostat for a newer model? Check out these options to see if one of them is right for you.

1. The Nest

The Nest is one of the darlings of the thermostat world (if there is such a thing). It was a big hit at CES 2012, where our own Ashley Esqueda was able to see what all the fuss is about. The big deal about this particular thermostat, which sells for $249, is that after about a week of use, the device actually learns your habits. It then creates a program to meet your energy needs in the most efficient way possible. You can also control it from your smartphone or web browser, even when you're not at home.

But the Nest isn't simply a thermostat that monitors and adjusts the temperature. It also measures things such as ambient light, humidity and motion, ultimately using any information it gleans to fine-tune its program. If it detects that you're not home on, say, a Sunday afternoon, it adjusts accordingly, even if the standard program dictates otherwise. If you have multiple Nest units in your home, they will communicate via wifi to coordinate schedules for the different parts of your house.

While some reviewers have complained that the Nest isn't actually very good at learning schedules, especially complex ones, most agree that it generally does what it sets out to do. The design is sleek, inside and out, and the ability to control your thermostat from anywhere is a definite plus. If you find that you'd prefer to set the Nest's schedule yourself, you can simply pause the learning mode and do so.

2. Smart Thermostat from Ecobee

Canadian company Ecobee's Smart Thermostat is similar in functionality to the Nest. Since it's Wi-Fi-enabled, you can control it from any web browser or your smartphone (download Ecobee Smart Thermostat for iPhone or Android). The LCD touchscreen interface includes programming functions, an energy conservation mode, and even five-day weather forecasts.

The major downside of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat is cost and an intimidating installation procedure. Unlike the Nest, which can be installed by just about anyone, the Smart Thermostat generally requires installation by a professional. This is because it actually has two parts: the equipment interface, which connects directly to your furnace, humidifier, dehumidifier, ventilator, and any other environmental control units you have, and the thermostat itself, which replaces your current thermostat unit.

You can install this device on your own if you want, as long as you're not afraid of messing about with wiring. Ecobee recommends having a pro do the installation. The Smart Thermostat itself retails for about $469, and installation generally requires at least a couple of hours of labor. Most reviewers agree, however, that the Smart Thermostat is well worth the cost.

3. Homewerks Radio Wireless Thermostat with Wi-Fi

If you're looking for a smart thermostat without a lot of expensive bells and whistles, the Homewerks Radio Wireless Thermostat with Wi-FiModule offers an affordable alternative, retailing for around $100. As with the more expensive Ecobee Smart Thermostat, you can control the Homewerks thermostat from your smartphone (download Radio Thermostat for iPhone or Android). Adjust the temperature from anywhere — set it from the road so that you arrive home to a nice warm (or cool) house, or turn your heating or cooling devices off to save money while you're not there.

The device has a seven-day programmable mode and a fan-only mode. It also offers two different stages of both warming and cooling, all of which you can adjust as necessary from the thermostat itself or from the app. The Radio Thermostat can be installed by just about anyone, without the need to hire a professional.

4. Honeywell Prestige 2.0 Comfort System

Honeywell is currently in the midst of a patent infringement lawsuit against the Nest for the concept of the learning thermostat (among other things). While only time will tell how that shakes out, Honeywell does certainly have some good options available. Like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, the Prestige 2.0 Comfort System should be installed by a professional. It offers "interview-based programming" that asks you questions about your usage habits and programs the device to best take advantage of those habits.

The Honeywell Prestige lets you monitor and control your system remotely using your computer, smartphone or tablet. Depending on your system, you can adjust indoor temperature and humidity, as well as view outdoor temperature and humidity. Check out Honeywell's locator to find the nearest professional who can install the thermostat in your home.

Stay Cool and Go Green

According to the government's Energy Star program, households that use a programmable thermostat can save about $180 a year on their energy bill. These smart thermostats make it even easier to keep your house comfortable, allowing you to adjust your settings even when you're not at home. No matter what your budget may be, a smart thermostat is a smart way to do your part to reduce energy consumption!

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